alterations

Modifications to clothing

Alterations are changes made to something, especially adjustments to clothing to improve fit: The tailor charges extra for alterations.

The word implies modification rather than replacement—the original thing remains, just adjusted.

In construction, alterations are structural changes to an existing building: The permit covers interior alterations only.

tailoring

hemming

Sewing a fabric edge

seamstressOne who stitches garments
tailorClothing alteration professional
fittingSuitable or proper

darts · seams · letting out · taking in · shortening · lengthening · tapering · waistband · inseam · cuffs

change

modification

Act of altering something

adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
revisionAltering to improve
amendmentChange to official text

variation · correction · refinement · tweaking · customization · adaptation · reworking · update · reform · conversion

architectural

renovation

Restoring to good condition

remodelingAltering existing structures
retrofitUpdate existing equipment
restorationReturning something to condition

addition · extension · conversion · reconfiguration · repurposing · rezoning · structural · demolition · rebuild · floorplan

transformation

metamorphosis

Profound biological restructuring

evolutionSpecies changing over generations
reinventionComplete self-transformation
transmutationComplete change of form

mutation · transfiguration · morphing · shift · transition · revolution · restructuring · reformation · remodeling · regeneration

Categories

personal servicesbarber, hairdresser, hair stylist, beautician, cosmetologist
Sewing Taskssewing, stitching, hemming, button sewing, basting
Tailoring Skillsfabric selection, bespoke tailoring, cutting techniques, hand stitching, buttonholes
tailoring termshem, seam, dart, tuck, pleat
fashionfashion, clothing, apparel, attire, garment
servicescleaning services, streaming, delivery services, salon, bellhop

Opposites

change vs. preservation

alterationspreservation

Maintaining something's condition

maintenance · conservation · keeping · retention · stasis

modification vs. original state

alterationsoriginal form

original state · originality · authenticity

tailoring/fitting context

alterationsoff-the-rack

Pre-made, not tailored

ready-to-wear · new construction · unaltered · as-is · unmodified

Phrases

alterations shopGarment modification business

Family

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G